Nonviolent felons have three-year window to change their records – and their lifestyle

Under Proposition 47, tens of thousands of Contra Costa residents are eligible to have their felonies downgraded to a misdemeanor. But, with only a three-year window for convicted felons to apply under the proposition, many might not find out in time to take advantage of the opportunity. Public defenders are working to reach everyone they can. "The problem with getting the word out to people with prior felony convictions is significant. If we were being true to the spirit of the law, there would be public education campaigns sponsored by the state and many additional resources given to public defenders to help in these petitions." Read about it on Richmond Pulse.